Ex-Patriots Super Bowl Champion Takes Pay Cut to Join Eagles’ Super Bowl Mission to Fill Secondary Need to Begin October
The Philadelphia Eagles have officially brought in a proven champion to strengthen their secondary, signing veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore after a private workout at the NovaCare Complex earlier today. The move comes as Philadelphia looks to reinforce its defensive backfield following injuries and inconsistent play from its young corners.
Gilmore, a five-time Pro Bowler and former Defensive Player of the Year, reportedly accepted a significant pay cut to join the reigning NFC champions. Sources close to the team confirm that the 34-year-old corner turned down higher offers elsewhere to chase another championship in midnight green.
The veteran defensive back, who helped lead the New England Patriots to a Super Bowl title in 2018, spoke emotionally after his workout in Philadelphia.
“I already know what it feels like to be a Super Bowl champion,”
Gilmore said. “But today, working out with the Eagles, I asked for just one chance — one chance to fight for something money can’t buy, something no other NFL team could give me. I want to chase that feeling again, right here in Philadelphia with Eagles Nation.”
Head coach Nick Sirianni praised Gilmore’s leadership and professionalism, noting that his presence will be invaluable to a secondary that has leaned heavily on youth and raw athleticism through the first four weeks of the season.
“Stephon’s experience, communication, and football IQ — that’s what championship teams need down the stretch,” Sirianni said. “He’s a guy who’s been there, done that, and still competes like he’s chasing his first ring.”
Gilmore’s signing adds veteran stability to a group featuring Adoree’ Jackson, Kelee Ringo, and Sydney Brown, with the Eagles ranked 8th in coverage grade per Pro Football Focus (66.9). His arrival also sends a message — that Philadelphia isn’t waiting for problems to develop. They’re attacking them head-on.
As October begins, the Eagles are once again proving why they remain a step ahead in the NFC — not just building a roster, but building a culture where champions still want to belong.
Former Steelers Coach Reveals Major Secret About Game-Winning Drive In Super Bowl XLIII
The Pittsburgh Steelers have been treading water in the NFL over the last decade or so as the team has managed to be competitive during the regular season, but has not really been a threat in the playoffs. The franchise has not won a postseason game in eight seasons, and that is a drought that fans are hoping will come to an end in 2025. There once was a time where it seemed that the Steelers were a threat in the playoffs every year. This was back when
The last meaningful playoff run the Steelers went on came at the end of the 2016 season when the franchise made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game. Before that, Pittsburgh made it to Super Bowl XLV at the end of the 2010 season, but lost to the
"We start out with this holding penalty," Arians explained. "Had to put it all on Ben. You know, at this time, Hines Ward could barely run. Nate Washington had a separated shoulder. So they're two guys he couldn't throw to. He had Santonio [Holmes], the running back, and Heath Miller. Ben was lights out. What he did, especially that last throw. Santonio gets all the credit for the catch, but the pump, pump, pump, and then that throw... Only about five guys in the world can make that throw."
Pittsburgh got the ball back in Super Bowl XLIII facing a three-point deficit with just about two and a half minutes remaining in the game. A holding penalty forced the drive to start from the Steelers' own 12-yard line, and Roethlisberger had to be a hero to move the ball down the field. Arians revealed that
Ward and Nate Washington were banged up, so Roethlisberger had to rely on himself and
Holmes gets a lot of love for his impressive toe drag in the back corner of the end zone on the game-winning touchdown, but Roethlisberger made one of the best throws of his career on the play. He floated the ball over three defenders to where only Holmes could get it.
Steelers Made Plenty Of Legendary Plays In Super Bowl XLIII
Everyone remembers the touchdown from Holmes, but the more impressive play came at the end of the first half as James Harrison
Another crucial play in Super Bowl XLIII that is often forgotten is LaMarr Woodley's strip-sack on Arizona's final drive. The Cardinals had the ball at about midfield with just under :20 seconds left in the game. Arizona was down four and had a slim chance to win the game, but Woodley crushed those hopes by sacking Warner and forcing the ball loose.
